Centre seeks report from Orissa govt on naxal attack on police

New Delhi, Jul 17 (UNI) The Centre today sought a report from the Orissa Government about yesterday's Naxal incident in which 17 policemen were killed in a landmine blast in Malkangiri district.

The state government has been asked to send the report about the blast as early as possible.

The Centre has provided necessary assistance including helicopter support to the state Government. They are also utilising the central forces stationed in Orissa, a home ministry spokesman said here today.

Senior officers of the Home Ministry including Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and Special Secretary (Internal Security) ML Kumawat are in touch with the DGP and other senior officers of the Orissa Government.

Meanwhile, the state government has sounded a high alert in the Malkangiri district following the explosion and sealed the borders with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Chhatisgarh to prevent naxalites responsible for the attack cross over to other states.

Combing operations by the state police, Special Operation Group with the help of CRPF and Grey Hounds have been going on.

Maoists had triggered a landmine blast at MV-126, about 50 km from Malkangiri, when jawans of Orissa's SOG and police were travelling in a van to MPV-41 last evening. This is the second attack after naxals targetted the elite Grey Hounds in a reservior in Malkangiri district killing 35 policemen and injuring many.